What was the outcome in the last meeting? Chicago Cubs 2 – 4 Philadelphia Phillies

THE TEAM NEWS

CHICAGO CUBS

The Cubs are coming off a loss the last time out and own a 2-3 mark in their last five MLB outings. However, they have posted a 6-4 mark in their last 10 games and that has helped them to remain at the top of the NL Central.

Ben Zobrist remains at Triple-A Iowa but his situation will be determined in the coming days, while relieves Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Kintzler and Steve Cishek are all progressing well on their rehabs, as is catcher Willson Contreras.

Former Phillies legend Cole Hamels is coming off an underwhelming start against the Cincinnati Reds the last time out when he allowed five runs in 3.0 innings of work but had a stellar 1.07 ERA in his previous seven starts. He has a 3.09 ERA with 105 strikeouts and a 6-3 mark in 2019 thus far.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

The Phillies have gone 2-3 in their last five games, and their recent games have had a lot of action since four of those have featured at least five runs scored. Their 10-game record reads 4-6.

Corey Dickerson suffered a hand injury in Tuesday’s game against the Cubs and might not play here, while Jake Arrieta, Jay Bruce and Jerad Eickhoff are out. Andrew McCutchen and Odubel Herrera are out for the season.

Aaron Nola gets the ball for the Phillies here. The 26-year-old star right-hander has a 10-3 mark with a 3.67 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP and 166 strikeouts across 147.1 innings pitched (25 starts). However, he owns a 5.11 ERA in four career starts against the 2016 World Series Champions.

THE PREDICTION

The Cubs and the Phillies have been playing at a similar level of late, but the main difference could be the starting pitcher. While Chicago have Cole Hamels, who has been consistently good of late, Aaron Nola has struggled for the Phillies over his last outings against Chicago. Expect the Cubs to start this game as favourites.

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